(June 16, 2025) Today we say a sad goodbye to Scottish singer and songwriter John Reid, vocal leader of The Nightcrawlers and the writer of several hits for other artists. He was 61.
Reid first made waves in the early 1990s as the voice behind Nightcrawlers, the dance project that became an unlikely transatlantic sensation thanks to a distinctive blend of house, soul and funk. While the group initially debuted with the 1992 single “Living Inside a Dream,” it wasn’t until 1995’s “Push the Feeling On” — remixed by Marc Kinchen (MK) — that Reid’s rich, soulful vocals met the pulsing rhythms of deep house in a way that resonated across clubs worldwide.
That remix, known for its chopped-up vocal hook and underground appeal, gave Nightcrawlers an identity and secured a U.S. Billboard Dance Chart hit and a Top 3 single in the UK. The album Lets Push It followed later that year, showcasing Reid’s songwriting talents on tracks like “Surrender Your Love” and “Don’t Let the Feeling Go.”
Following the success of Nightcrawlers, Reid transitioned into a prolific songwriting career. He penned hits for major artists including Leona Lewis, Kelly Clarkson, and Westlife. His co-write on “A Moment Like This” helped launch Clarkson’s career, while his work on “Now That I’ve Found You” brought emotional depth to EDM duo Calvin Harris & Disciples in 2016.
Though Reid’s name isn’t always front and center, his voice and pen have left an indelible mark on both pop and dance music. From the underground clubs of Glasgow to the top of the global charts, John Reid was a quiet but powerful force in contemporary music. May he rest in peace.
